California has no shortage of wine regions, but few can claim a legacy like Livermore Valley. Many people—even Californians—don't realize it, but it's actually where California's most well-known variatals were created. In fact, nearly 80% of all Chardonnay vines in the state trace their genetic roots back to a Livermore clone developed at Wente Family Vineyards. And an estimated 80% of California’s Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Concannon clones, first cultivated here too. As Brandi Lombardi, Executive Director of the Livermore Valley Wine Community, explains, “The region put California on the world wine map by winning the Grand Prix at the International Paris Exposition in 1889—the first American wine to ever receive such an honor in France.”
Today, Livermore Valley has turned into a tight-knit collective of more than 50 wineries—here, you’re just as likely to be poured a tasting by the winemaker as the sommelier. “That’s what makes Livermore so special,” Lombardi says. “The community here is incredibly welcoming, and our winemakers take a personal approach to crafting wines that rank among the finest in the world.” Tucked just east of San Francisco, Livermore has long stayed under the radar compared to its flashier wine-country cousins, Napa and Sonoma. But that’s starting to change. With its lively TASTE festival, stylish boutique hotels and a charming downtown filled with tasting rooms, cafés and local shops, Livermore Valley is quickly becoming one of California’s most delightful—and underrated—wine getaways.
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Why Livermore Is Having a Moment
Livermore’s star is rising again—and fast. The region recently earned more than 200 medals at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, including Best White Sweepstakes for the second consecutive year. It’s also a founding member of the Global Artisan Vintners Alliance, a collective dedicated to sustainable collaboration among top-tier wine regions worldwide. And this year, Livermore made more headlines by designating Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc as its signature varietals—a move that’s drawing attention from sommeliers and collectors alike. “It’s been an incredibly exciting year,” Lombardi says. “There’s a lot of energy here right now, and people are starting to rediscover what makes this region so special.”
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Planning Your Visit
Located just 35 miles east of San Francisco, Livermore Valley offers a slower, more relaxed wine country experience without the Napa price tag. “Our tasting rooms pride themselves on being welcoming and down-to-earth,” Lombardi says. “Prices are typically lower than what you’d find in Napa or Sonoma, but the quality and hospitality are exceptional.”
Visitors can hop aboard the Livermore Wine Trolley for a three-hour tasting tour or tour the rolling vineyards that surround the valley. There's also prime golf at Wente, hiking at Brushy Peak Regional Preserve and plenty of boutique hotels, making it a perfect girlfriend getaway destination.
The Wineries to Know
Purple Orchid Winery, Livermore Valley, CALivermore Valley Tourism
Each of Livermore’s wineries has its own unique history and methodsand some of its longest-running and most well-known vineyards are must-visits, such as Wente Family Vineyards, Concannon Vineyard, Darcie Kent Estate Winery and McGrail Vineyards & Winery. The region also stands out for its women-led producers, far exceeding the national average, with vintners such as Rosa Fierro Cellars and Wood Family Vineyards leading the charge. “It’s impossible to choose a favorite,” Lombardi says. “Every winery here has something unique to offer—from intimate family-run tasting rooms to estates with restaurants, concerts and art galleries.”
Where to Eat, Shop & Stay
Stay: Lombardi's favorite is the Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa, a boutique retreat overlooking 19 acres of olive orchards. The spa even uses its own hand-made olive oil from its orchards in treatments.
Dine: For a taste of true Livermore wine-country cuisine, try Garré Vineyard & Winery or Las Positas Vineyards—both offer excellent food alongside estate-grown wines. In downtown Livermore, fun and chic speakeasy and cocktail bar Honeycomb Lounge is accessible through sister property Sons of Liberty Alehouse, while Wingen Bakery & Restaurant is a local favorite for breakfast and baked goods. Don’t miss The Cheese Parlor, home to Livermore’s resident cheesemonger and a must-stop for picnic provisions.
Do: Between tastings, browse the boutiques downtown, take a spin on a Pedego electric bike or time your visit for TASTE, the valley’s premier food-and-wine event every October.
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